Dr. Ola Orekunrin, born in London in 1986, is a British-Nigerian medical doctor and entrepreneur who has made significant strides in improving emergency healthcare in West Africa. Raised in Lowestoft, England, she pursued her medical degree at Hull York Medical School, graduating at the remarkable age of 21, making her one of the youngest doctors in the United Kingdom at the time. Her early career saw her working in acute medicine within the UK’s National Health Service, where she gained valuable experience in emergency care.
The turning point in Dr. Orekunrin’s life came with a personal tragedy. Her younger sister, who suffered from sickle cell anemia, fell critically ill while traveling in Nigeria. Despite frantic efforts to find an air ambulance to transport her sister to a suitable medical facility, none were available in the region. By the time arrangements could be made, her sister had tragically passed away. This heartbreaking experience exposed the dire need for accessible emergency medical services in Nigeria and inspired Dr. Orekunrin to take action.
Motivated by this loss, Dr. Orekunrin founded Flying Doctors Nigeria in 2007, establishing West Africa’s first air ambulance service. Based in Lagos, the organization provides critical care and rapid transportation for patients in remote and underserved areas, significantly improving emergency response times. Her initiative has been instrumental in bridging the gap in healthcare accessibility, particularly in regions where infrastructure challenges hinder timely medical intervention.
Beyond her medical endeavors, Dr. Orekunrin has pursued further education and training to enhance her impact. She received the MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship, allowing her to conduct research in regenerative medicine in Tokyo. Additionally, she has undertaken studies in finance and economic policy, equipping her with the skills to navigate the complex landscape of healthcare entrepreneurship. Her multifaceted expertise underscores her commitment to holistic solutions in healthcare delivery.
Dr. Orekunrin’s contributions have garnered international recognition. She has been honored as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and has shared her insights at prestigious platforms, including TEDx talks and global health conferences. Her story serves as a powerful testament to how personal adversity can catalyze transformative change, inspiring others to address systemic challenges with innovation and compassion
